Fake Ukrainian police arrested for taking $250,000 from an entrepreneur in Tether.

In Ukraine, police on Monday arrested a criminal group that extorted $250,000 from a young entrepreneur who threatened to prosecute in a conspiracy to impersonate law enforcement officials.

The four suspects arrested by the Cyber ​​Police and the Internal Security Department of the National Police will be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison, he said. press release.

In May, the 20-year-old online business founder reported to the police that unknown persons impersonated law enforcement officers.

The group is accused of threatening the entrepreneur with long prison terms for collusion with Russia and treason. They offered to “settle the case” in exchange for $250,000, which they asked to be transferred in crypto.

Fearing legal consequences, the entrepreneur complied with the demands and transferred 250,000 USDT to a crypto wallet controlled by the group. According to the statement, the criminals move the stolen funds quickly through the crypto exchange.

Cyber ​​police officers have tracked the movement of crypto assets by identifying suspects who have no ties to law enforcement. State police investigators in Kyiv, assisted by the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office, conducted a coordinated operation to make the arrest.

Searches were conducted on the homes and vehicles of the suspects and their family members in Kyiv, Kyiv region and Cherkasy region. Authorities seized bank cards, computer equipment, mobile phones, luxury cars, fake journalist IDs, ammunition and cash.

Ukrainian police often struggle with high-profile crypto crime. In July Decrypt He reported that four people were arrested for kidnapping and murder in connection with the robbery $170,000 in Bitcoin. A July report from Europol highlighted a Ukrainian cryptojacking scheme that netted more than $1.95 million. Different crypto.

Ukraine hosts many more traditional crypto scams. In June, authorities arrested 14 people who were working as an organization for running a traditional ritual. Call center scam operation.

In the year In 2023, the European Union provided Ukrainian authorities with several law enforcement agencies Training To help you track crypto and better investigate criminal cases related to the asset class.

While crime is a challenge, Ukraine is also one of the most avid users of crypto. In its recent 2023 report, Chinalysis placed Ukraine behind the US, Vietnam, Nigeria and India, but ahead of Brazil (9th). UK (14ThJapan (18)Th) and Canada (19Th).

Edited by Sebastian Sinclair.